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Class of 26

Art as Critical Practice

Where a new generation of makers explores, questions, and challenges the world around us.

De kleur van Truzement_handgeweven landschappen — © Mitch van Schijndel

During Class of 26, we proudly present a selection of graduation projects from the 2025-2026 academic year.The projects show how our graduates use art, design and architecture to explore questions, challenge perspectives and imagine new possibilities

Space for research, experimentation and imagination

Art as Critical Practice
At Academy of Arts Maastricht and the Academy of Architecture Maastricht, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, students learn by exploring, questioning and creating. They develop their own perspective while responding to the world around them.
Inspired by the Maastricht-Aachen-Liège region, students work with materials, ideas and people. Craftsmanship, experimentation and sensory experience are at the heart of their practice.
Students are encouraged to connect personal stories with current social issues. This approach helps them develop work that is both meaningful and relevant. During Class of 26, we proudly present a selection of graduation projects from the 2025-2026 academic year. The projects show how our graduates use art, design and architecture to explore questions, challenge perspectives and imagine new possibilities.
From personal explorations to societal issues. From material experimentation to spatial interventions. The works on show reflect a critical, engaged and craft-based approach to making.
Art as Critical Practice reveals how a new generation of makers positions itself in relation to the world today.

Towards a Resilient Design Practice @ DDW Lecture

The Resilient Design Research Centre represents ZUYD Academy of Arts Maastricht | Academy of Architecture Maastricht at Sectie-C during DDW with the following activities.
Sunday 18 October 2026
13:00 - 14:00h

How can designers stay relevant in a world of constant change? In this lecture, Dr Tom Luyten shares insights from the Resilient Design Practice research centre at Academy of Arts Maastricht.

Discover practical strategies for navigating uncertainty, systems thinking, speculative design, and emerging technologies such as AI and XR.

Free admission
Open to design students, professionals and educators.
Registration lecture required
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Systems Thinking for Designers @ DDW
Workshop

Sunday 18 October 2026
14:15h

Following the lecture, join an interactive workshop led by Gaston Jamin and explore how systems thinking can strengthen your design practice.

Free admission
Registration required separately

About Kunstacademie Maastricht, Architectuur Academie Maastricht

Academy of Arts Maastricht | Academy of Architecture Maastricht, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences programmes: Fine Art, Communication and Multimedia Design, Visual Communication Design, Design, Architecture and Interior Design, Teacher Training in Fine Art and Design, Interdisciplinary Arts